Scientists at King's College London have for the first time used keratin — a protein found in hair and wool — to restore tooth enamel.
The keratin was extracted from wool, processed and turned into a transparent film. Applied to teeth, it interacted with minerals in saliva and formed a layer almost indistinguishable from natural enamel. This barrier protects teeth and helps calcium and phosphate accumulate.
Unlike plastic resins, which are often used in dentistry, the new material is environmentally friendly, safe and gives a more natural appearance. In addition, the raw material comes from biological waste — cut hair and wool. The development could be used both in the form of ordinary toothpaste and as a professional gel. Scientists are already discussing clinical trials — this innovative approach could reach pharmacies within a couple of years.
